The editor of Homes&Travel has pointed out that he receives a great many enquiries about owning a property abroad and many are for France.
France has always been a firm favourite with the British and many own holiday homes in this remarkable country. Others seek to retire there but whatever the reason, it offers such a wide range of lifestyles, properties and landscape from the Côte d’Azur to the Normandy beaches that it truly has something to offer for everyone.
Our stats clearly show the popularity of the country and we as a company have seen a surge of over 40% in overseas property enquiries in 2012.
|
Leads into OGC per Country, 2012 |
||||||||
| Country |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Q4 |
Total |
| America |
1,002 |
931 |
930 |
293 |
325 |
183 |
801 |
3,664 |
| Australia |
598 |
328 |
320 |
74 |
83 |
51 |
208 |
1,454 |
| Canada |
467 |
286 |
320 |
100 |
107 |
83 |
290 |
1,363 |
| Cyprus |
235 |
299 |
343 |
86 |
85 |
56 |
227 |
1,104 |
| France |
1,405 |
1,424 |
1,898 |
646 |
665 |
517 |
1,828 |
6,555 |
| Greece |
154 |
293 |
318 |
72 |
74 |
34 |
180 |
945 |
| Italy |
339 |
468 |
629 |
166 |
177 |
87 |
430 |
1,866 |
| Others |
176 |
234 |
270 |
110 |
108 |
54 |
272 |
952 |
| New Zealand |
404 |
185 |
215 |
96 |
92 |
60 |
248 |
1,052 |
| Portugal |
391 |
454 |
587 |
186 |
174 |
90 |
450 |
1,882 |
| Spain |
1,056 |
1,482 |
1,867 |
663 |
673 |
296 |
1,632 |
6,037 |
| Turkey |
241 |
323 |
392 |
128 |
91 |
50 |
269 |
1,225 |
|
Total leads |
6,468 |
6,707 |
8,089 |
2,620 |
2,654 |
1,561 |
6,835 |
28,099 |
Two of the most frequently asked questions are as follows.
1. How can a potential buyer go about getting a survey carried out on a French property? Are there different levels of surveys as in the UK?
Surveys are not as common in France before a contract is signed. A seller must provide a certain number of inspection reports prior to completion of the contract, including such issues as tests for the presence of termites, lead-based paint and asbestos; inspections of the drainage, gas and electrical systems; verification that a swimming pool is suitably protected. The actual inspection reports carried out will depend upon the type, age and location of the property.
However such reports are often little more than ‘health checks’ – for example, the termite inspection will reveal if there is any current infestation by termites, but would not necessarily clarify whether a previous infestation has damaged the structural woodwork.
A survey would be fully independent, and the surveyor should be able to reveal all potential problems with the property. There are a number of surveyors with specialist knowledge of French construction methods and planning rules who would be able to carry out such work, and some offer different levels of service to suit the needs of their clients.
We generally advocate that our clients commission a survey, and wemaintain a small list of suitable professionals.
2.Will owners get permission to be included in the French medical system?
If people are moving to France permanently, they will initially remain within the UK medical system. They should, though, contact their DSS office to notify them of the move. As EU citizens they will then have a right to join the local medical system, although this may well require payment. Top-up insurance can be obtained. There are circumstances under which it is possible to qualify for free medical cover.
Richard Way, Editor, Overseas Guides Company (OGC)
+44 207 898 0549
Information on surveys and French medical system supplied by Matthew Cameron, Ashton KCJ www.ashtonkcj.co.uk an Associate of OGC
01284 727016
